Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City

The Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City tour offers visitors an unparalleled journey through Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. This captivating excursion takes you to the well-preserved ruins of Myra, where you’ll marvel at the Lycian rock-cut tombs, and then onto a scenic boat ride to the submerged structures of the ancient Kekova. Complementing this experience is a visit to the historic St. Nicholas Church, providing a well-rounded exploration of the region’s past. With its blend of ancient wonders and natural beauty, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression on all who embark on this remarkable adventure.

Key Points

• The tour showcases the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Myra and the sunken city of Kekova.
• Visitors can marvel at the Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffside and explore the historic St. Nicholas Church in Demre.
• The tour includes a boat ride to the sunken city of Kekova, allowing visitors to view the submerged structures and swim in the crystal-clear waters.
• The tour has mixed reviews, with some travelers citing issues with the long coach journey, air conditioning problems, and limited English guidance.
• The tour is priced at $83.27 and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, buffet lunch, boat tour fees, and entry tickets.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour combines visits to the ancient city of Myra, the Sunken City of Kekova, Lycian rock-cut tombs, and the St. Nicholas Church in the coastal region of Demre, Antalya, Turkey.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch, boat tour fees, a multilingual guide, insurance, fuel surcharge, and entry tickets to Myra ancient city.

Travelers can expect to explore the remarkable ancient ruins, swim in the clear waters of Kekova, and learn about the rich history and culture of the region from the guide.

The tour lasts the full day, starting at 7:00 am, and is suitable for most travelers, though the long coach ride and limited English guidance may be concerns for some.

Highlights of the Tour

The tour promises an immersive exploration of the region’s ancient wonders, starting with the well-preserved ruins of the ancient city of Myra, once a thriving Lycian metropolis.

Travelers can marvel at the impressive Lycian rock-cut tombs carved into the cliffside, a remarkable testament to the architectural prowess of the Lycian civilization.

The tour then ventures to the sunken city of Kekova, where visitors can take a boat ride to glimpse the partially submerged structures and enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

Travelers will also have the opportunity to visit the historic St. Nicholas Church, associated with the patron saint of sailors, in the coastal town of Demre.

Traveler Experiences

Travelers often share mixed experiences on this tour, with both praise and concerns about the overall organization and execution.

On the positive side, visitors are in awe of the ancient ruins and natural beauty, and find the guide to be knowledgeable and friendly.

However, the long journey by coach can be tiring, with issues like poor air conditioning and cleanliness. Language barriers are a challenge, as English guidance is limited compared to Russian. The rushed lunch experience also disappoints some.

Transportation and Meeting Time

Typically, the tour begins promptly at 7:00 am with round-trip transportation provided from hotels in Antalya, accommodating a maximum group size of 27 travelers.

The journey to the first destination, the ancient city of Myra, takes approximately 2 hours each way. While the coach is equipped with basic amenities, some travelers have noted that the air conditioning and overall cleanliness could be improved.

The return trip from the final stop at the Sunken City of Kekova can take up to 8 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

Despite the long travel times, the tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the region’s historical and natural wonders, allowing ample time to fully immerse in the experience.

Language and Guide Services

Multilingual guides lead this tour, primarily providing information in Russian and English, though some travelers have noted a lack of comprehensive English guidance throughout the experience. The tour employs a diverse team of guides to assist groups of up to 27 travelers.

Guide Support	Quality
Russian	Extensive
English	Partial
Other Languages	Limited

While the Russian and English commentary helps the majority of participants, those seeking more in-depth exploration in other languages may find the level of service lacking. Enhancing the English guidance and incorporating additional languages could improve the overall experience for all guests.

Tour Reviews and Feedback

Traveler reviews of the Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City tour paint a mixed picture, with both praise and criticism for various aspects of the experience.

On the positive side, many reviewers highlight the tour’s beautiful sites, friendly and informative guide, and ample time to explore the ancient ruins of Myra.

However, the long coach ride of up to 14 hours, with 8 spent on the bus, has been a common point of concern.

Travelers also note issues with poor air conditioning, bus cleanliness, and a lack of English guidance, with most information provided primarily in Russian.

The rushed lunch experience has also been a source of discontent among some visitors.

Traveler Concerns and Issues

The long coach ride, often lasting up to 14 hours with 8 spent on the bus, emerges as a primary concern for many travelers.

Inadequate air conditioning and poor bus cleanliness further compound the discomfort of the extended journey.

Plus, the limited English-speaking guidance, with most information provided in Russian, can leave non-Russian speakers feeling disoriented and excluded.

Travelers also report a rushed lunch experience, leaving little time to properly enjoy the meal.

While the tour offers a rundown of the region’s highlights, these logistical challenges can detract from the overall experience.

Prospective travelers should weigh these potential issues when deciding if the tour aligns with their preferences and expectations.

Booking Information and Details

At the time of booking, travelers can expect the tour to be priced from $83.27.

The cancellation policy allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility.

Booking also offers the option to reserve now and pay later.

Travelers staying at Belek, Kemer, or Side hotels may incur additional transfer fees, while confirmation is received immediately upon booking.

The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Bookings can be made with confidence, as the tour provides a comprehensive experience exploring the ancient wonders of Demre, Myra, and Kekova, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off services.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cultural Significance of the Sites Visited?

The sites visited hold immense cultural significance, showcasing the rich history and architectural wonders of the Lycian civilization. Myra’s rock-cut tombs, the Sunken City of Kekova, and St. Nicholas Church are testament to the region’s remarkable ancient heritage.

Are There Any Restrictions on What Can Be Brought on the Boat Tour?

Based on the tour details, there are no explicit restrictions mentioned on what can be brought on the boat tour. Travelers should use common sense and avoid bringing large or bulky items that could be disruptive or pose a safety risk during the boat ride.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Extra Activities?

The tour does not offer any options to extend the duration or add extra activities. The full-day tour has a fixed itinerary and schedule. Travelers can inquire about customizing the tour, but additional fees would likely apply for any changes.

Can You Provide More Details on the Buffet Lunch Included in the Tour?

The tour includes a buffet lunch with a variety of local Turkish dishes. Travelers can expect a spread of hot and cold appetizers, salads, main courses, and desserts to satisfy their appetites after a morning of sightseeing.

How Does This Tour Compare to Other Similar Tours in the Region?

This tour provides a rundown of the region’s top historical and natural sights, though it may lack the personalized experience of smaller group tours. It’s a good value option for travelers seeking an efficient way to see the highlights.

Recap

The Demre Myra Kekova Sunken City tour offers a captivating exploration of Turkey’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the well-preserved ruins of Myra, marvel at the submerged structures of Kekova, and visit the historic St. Nicholas Church, creating a memorable journey through ancient history and stunning natural beauty.

With transportation, language, and guide services provided, this full-day tour is a comprehensive and practical way to discover this remarkable destination.